Manipur Governor Extends Deadline For Surrendering Looted Weapons Till March 6

IMPHAL: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms until 4 PM on March 6 following requests for more time from residents in both hill and valley areas.

“Upon the expiry of the seven-day deadline for the voluntary surrender of arms, there have been requests from both the valley and hill areas to extend the period. I have considered these requests and decided to extend the deadline until 4 PM on March 6,” the statement read.

It further assured that no severe action would be taken against those who surrender their weapons within this period. “This is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, the future of our youth, and the security of our society,” the statement read.

Bhalla, on February 20, urged warring groups to voluntarily surrender weapons robbed from security forces and other illegally held arms within seven days, the deadline of which ended on Thursday. Approximately 6,000 firearms have been looted from state armories since the crisis began in May 2023.

The Centre is implementing a variety of measures to restore law and order in Manipur following former Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation, which resulted in the imposition of President's Rule. The return of weapons to armed groups is considered the initial and essential step in this process.

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